Board wants schools to return to normal

(LINDSAY) The local public school board has joined forces with an Eastern Ontario board in an effort to have activity at their elementary schools return to normal.

The Trillium Lakelands District School Board teamed up with the Upper Canada District School Board to file an application with the Ontario Labour Relations Board in search of a decision on whether the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is counseling unlawful strike activities. The labour board is expected to hold a hearing on Friday (Jan. 25) - just prior to the Liberal Leadership Convention in Toronto.

"We find the impact of recent tactics by our local and provincial union representatives very troubling," stated board chair Karen Round. "Their actions are affecting students, classroom and school activities, as well as relations between staff, and are seriously undermining public confidence."

The move is an effort to turn the attention on student achievement by pointing out that ETFO's ongoing "pause" on extra-curricular activities interferes with the normal activities of the school board, its schools and school programs.

"Our teachers are having their ability to participate in activities they have traditionally been involved in taken away," continued Mrs. Round,

"These activities have always been seen as part of the overall school experience for all members of the school community including students and staff."

Trillium Lakelands ETFO president Steve Colliver said he doesn't fault the school board for "taking the step they feel they need to take."

"The labour board is the place to deal with such situations. We'll look to, and respect, their decision," said Mr. Colliver, despite the fact that Bill 115 removed the unions' ability to access the same avenue.

However, he maintains that, at the end of the day, extra-curricular activities are voluntary. Teachers are continuing to meet the expectations of their job - the 300-minute school instructional day - and ensuring student safety.

"People lose sight of this all the time," said Mr. Colliver who says he would be happy to sit down with Conservative Leader Tim Hudak to discuss how his suggestion of mandated extra-curricular involvement would roll out legally and financially.

Mr. Colliver also noted that, although the Province repealed the contentious Bill Wednesday (Jan. 23), it is an empty gesture.

"It doesn't mean anything. The contracts have been imposed. Repealing the Bill isn't going to change that," he said.

While elementary teachers have been advised to step away from any voluntary activities until at least March 1, the union has agreed to wait until a new Liberal leader is chosen on Jan. 27 to see if the new premier and education minister make any effort to improve the situation before deciding whether or not to let teachers return to extra-curriculars.